By WALLYCE TODD
Staff Writer
April 20-21 will see many people participating in the local Relay for Life, an annual event to raise money for cancer research. However, fund and awareness raising doesn’t happen in the area just two days a year.
To acknowledge this, the Columbus County Commissioners declared April as the county’s Relay for Life Month in their April 2 meeting.
Penny Grainger, the Relay for Life event chairman stated: “We, as the Relay for Life committee, are ecstatic. This declaration is absolutely fantastic. By doing this, the county commissioners are telling the people of Columbus County that they care about cancer and its effects on our citizens.”
This coming weekend, Southeastern Community College, one of the event’s corporate sponsors, will host the 24-hour relay on its front lawn/drive area. The News Reporter will host hourly updates on its website: whiteville.com. These updates will include pictures, video interviews and blogs.
An exciting addition to the weekend events will be the tethered hot-air balloon rides offered to Relay participants in exchange for $10 donations to the American Cancer Society on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.
Hot-air balloon pilot Ian Leonard in conjunction –with The News Reporter and Campbell Oil and Gas of Elizabethtown who will partner to provide the propane for the rides – will add a whole new dimension to Relay.
“The Sky’s the Limit” is the theme for the balloon rides, and that seems to be the overall sentiment of Grainger and the Relay executive committee as they see the potential that this year’s Relay has to make a difference in the fight against the disease that affects so many.
“One out of every three people is touched by cancer in some shape, form or fashion,” said Grainger. “There’s been a tremendous response through corporate sponsors, in-kind giving and general donations, as well as support from many in the community. We would like to see the entire county colored in purple and celebrating life.”
A celebratory ambience is the goal of much of the 24-hour Relay. “No matter what time you’re there, be it 3 p.m. or 3 a.m. – there will be numerous activities going on,” Grainger noted with a smile. The entertainment committee has coordinated singers, dancers, kids activities, special “themed” laps and more throughout the entire Relay.
Saturday morning will have a particularly sparkling feel as the focus will now include kids’ activities like moon bounces and slides, the first ever Relay bike (motorcycle) show, the tethered hot air balloon rides, a survivor lap at 11 a.m. and more.
A schedule of entertainment and events can be found on this page and online at whiteville.com. Click on the Relay for Life icon at the bottom right of the web page to connect to all the Relay-related links.
Grainger emphasized that it’s not too late to donate or participate. The goal of this year’s Relay for life is $130,000. To date, approximately $70,000 has been raised.
Expectations for an influx of funds in the next few weeks are high, as Relay teams submit money for a variety of recent fundraisers. Lots of on-site fundraisers will also be happening Friday and Saturday at SCC.
The event chairperson encouraged teams to participate throughout the entire event. “The ideal situation is that every team have at least one team member on the track the entire 24 hours.” The reason for this, Grainger stated, is because cancer doesn’t sleep.
Grainger’s own mother’s life ended as a result of cancer. She said: “Cancer doesn’t discriminate. Relay for Life is a 24-hour event that is designed to remind people that cancer and its effects are ongoing, regardless of the day or night. We encourage people to participate the 24 hours.”
The entire Relay for Life executive committee wants to welcome thousands of people to come out and support the event by walking, being entertained, and participating in all the fundraising events. Grainger said: “I would like to extend a personal invitation to each and every person in Columbus County to come.”